Out Of Bird Seed? Attract Colorful Birds Using Something Already In Your Kitchen

Did you open your pantry, hoping to fill your bird feeder, only to find that the bird seed container is completely empty? If you're standing there wondering if you're going to see any feathered friends today, don't worry. The solution to attracting colorful birds is right in your kitchen, and it's not just for drinking. The secret to a yard full of birds is water. Giving birds multiple water sources will make them flock to your garden faster than any seed ever could.

When comparing different ways of attracting birds, providing water can be more consistent than just offering food. Some observations show that those offering only water have frequent, daily visits from many birds, while those that have seed feeders also have consistent, but not necessarily greater, activity. This consistent supply of water is important when discovering how to attract more birds to your birdbath.

Experienced gardeners agree that you don't need expensive bird baths to make your yard a bird oasis. While large water features like ponds are effective, simple, budget-friendly options work just as well. Birds are happy with anything that holds water, even basic bowls or plant pot saucers work well. This makes providing water a simple and affordable choice when your supply of bird seed is running low.

When you leave water, you are fulfilling a basic need that is even more important than food, especially during hot weather or when natural water sources are scarce. Birds need clean water not only to drink, but also to bathe. Bathing is important for keeping their feathers in good condition, which helps with insulation and the ability to fly. A bird with clean, well-preened feathers is a happy, healthy bird. By providing a reliable source of water, you can make your yard an important stop in a bird's day.

Water can attract a wide variety of birds, including those that might not visit seed feeders, like warblers, robins, bluebirds, or certain thrushes. These species are often insect or fruit eaters, but they are still drawn to a place to get a drink or take a splash. Remember that the water should be fresh, so make sure to change it every day and keep the container clean. Having different types of water sources, such as a shallow dish on the ground and one raised on a pedestal, can appeal to various types of birds that prefer different drinking or bathing conditions. Knowing where to put a bird bath can also make a big difference when attracting birds.

Keep in mind that the need for water doesn't stop when the weather cools down since birds need fresh water year-round. During the winter, natural water sources can freeze solid, making the water you leave for them even more important. You don't have to buy expensive equipment to make water available in the colder months. To keep your birdbath from freezing, placing a dark-colored dish in a spot that gets full sun can help prevent the water from freezing as quickly. If you live in an area with constant freezes, a small, inexpensive water heater for bird baths can help.

By making your yard a consistent source of clean water, you can make sure that the Northern Cardinal, whose range extends across the entire eastern United States from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, or the American Goldfinch, which is a common resident across North America, will continue to stop by. Even simple things like keeping the water shallow – no more than 1 to 3 inches deep – will make it more appealing and safe for smaller birds.